Sir,  The interactive voice response system (IVRS) of the Southern Railway at the Thiruvananthapuram Central, meant to provide automated information on reservation availability on trains and other related matters, has not been functioning properly for the past several days, especially during night. Last Tuesday, I wasted a number of precious phone calls to the computerised IVRS (telephone numbers - 1361, 1362, 1363) due to the faulty response of the system.

Earlier, the operation of the system was good. But at present, this system is not up to the mark possibly due to poor maintenance. Will the railway authorities look in to the matter and take immediate action?

K.P. Ashok Kumar

Pattom

Gambling in train

Sir,  Of late, travelling in the Nagercoil-bound passenger train which starts from Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station at 5-15 p.m. has become a nightmare for commuters.

While scores of commuters travelling in the train experience untold miseries for lack of seats, a gang comprising railway employees occupies a large amount of space for playing cards.

As most of the seats are occupied by the players, the commuters are left with no other option but to stand and suffer. As they are railway employees, they probably feel that they can get away even if they are caught by special squads meant to curb ticketless travel and such activity. There had been a strict vigil on playing cards in the train in the past, with the result there had been no trouble for the last two to three years. Now, again, the problem has cropped up. Unless stringent action against these persons is taken, the commuters will be put to much inconvenience.

The authorities are requested to look into the matter and do the needful. The train passengers have seriously been thinking of launching a signature campaign for submitting a mass representation to the railway authorities to find out a permanent solution to the problem.

If it is card players who cause woes in the evening train, in the morning it is the beggars who create trouble to the travelling public in the Bangalore- bound express train that starts from Kanyakumari. The journey from Kanyakumari to Thiruvananthapuram Central, therefore, has become hell for the travellers. Office-goers are the worst hit. Most of the seats are occupied by these beggars. Even standing has become very difficult for the travellers up to Thiruvananthapuram Central. Not only do these ticketless beggars inflict heavy losses to the Railways, they spread contagious diseases also. Thiruvananthapuram Central is the destination for scores of beggars from Tamil Nadu. The Railway authorities are requested to take immediate action to stop this public nuisance.

Bal Payyannur

Kesavadasapuram

Overbridge needed

Sir,  As there is a railway crossing at Arannoor, near Karamana, the people have to wait for a long time to cross the railway line. Those who are travelling in buses, cars, autorickshaws, scooters are the worst hit due to the frequent passing of trains. They find it difficult to reach the Poojappura-Thycaud road on time for their onward journey into the city. Hence, it is necessary to have a railway overbridge at the Arannoor railway crossing.

Will the railway authorities and the Kerala Government take urgent action on the matter.

V. G. Balakrishnan

Thiruvananthapuram

Crimes increasing

Sir,  Cases of theft and waylaying-cum-assault of people are on the rise in the State. This reflects poorly on the law and order situation.

When such incidents are happening in a big way in the State capital itself, it is time the authorities sat up and pondered over such incidents. To ward of such crime by the police force alone, is asking for the moon.

The patronage of politicians for these criminals is one reason for such increase in crime. Secondly, the time consuming legal process, often leading to grant of bail for such declared offenders is also not helpful. Speedy punishments, coupled with public cooperation can make an impact in reducing such crimes.

Besides, the local police should exercise a close watch on people addicted to liquor and those who live beyond their means. It is high time the Government brings in the Goonda Act to enable the police to handle these criminals, so that law-abiding citizens can move freely in the State.

Otherwise, we may be heading for a Goonda Raj in the days to come.

Needless agitations

Sir,  At the drop of a hat, political parties of all hues, and trade unions, organise `Secretariat marches' to the agony of the road users. The organisers of these marches may well understand that the people at large consider such moves as rituals to keep in shape the rank and file of the political parties, while their leaders enjoy air-conditioned comforts.

A well-known Malayalam writer who spent his early days in Delhi wrote in a vernacular paper that while Malayalis in Delhi move in cars keeping their wives by their side, Malayalis within Kerala enjoy life by getting beaten up by the police and spending days together in jails!

How true of our youngsters, who blindly follow their leaders in such time-wasting acts. In any case, no Government takes seriously these agitations and marches and hence, it is time such futile activities are done away with immediately.

Alternatively, the Government may move the Secretariat to some remote place to save the citizens from these purposeless agitations and mental torture.